Faculty, particularly at a University like Duke, have many demands on their time. They likely have other graduate students, multiple research projects, administrative duties and teaching responsibilities. They will occasionally not pay you as much attention as you would like. You can help them stay engaged with some simple actions.
Schedule regular meetings: At least once every two weeks. In most cases, students have to ask for their advisors time - it will not be offered.
Send a follow-up email after each meeting, stating what you took away from the meeting, and what projects/experiments you have prioritized for the upcoming weeks based on your discussion.
If you cannot/don’t need to meet in person, send a weekly update email instead. This should clearly state (1) what you’ve been working on, (2) what you’re working towards, and (3) any specific questions where you need guidance. This won't solve their disorganization problems, but it will keep them in the loop and give them an easy way to provide input into your work.
When you need significant feedback - for example, on a draft chapter - warn them well beforehand so they expect it. Ask them ‘when can you get this back to me?’
Still not getting enough support? Lean on your other committee members instead, that’s what they’re there for. If you’re truly lost (and this does happen), it may time to consider changing advisors
Schedule regular meetings: At least once every two weeks. In most cases, students have to ask for their advisors time - it will not be offered.
Send a follow-up email after each meeting, stating what you took away from the meeting, and what projects/experiments you have prioritized for the upcoming weeks based on your discussion.
If you cannot/don’t need to meet in person, send a weekly update email instead. This should clearly state (1) what you’ve been working on, (2) what you’re working towards, and (3) any specific questions where you need guidance. This won't solve their disorganization problems, but it will keep them in the loop and give them an easy way to provide input into your work.
When you need significant feedback - for example, on a draft chapter - warn them well beforehand so they expect it. Ask them ‘when can you get this back to me?’
Still not getting enough support? Lean on your other committee members instead, that’s what they’re there for. If you’re truly lost (and this does happen), it may time to consider changing advisors